Brussels, 22 January 2013 – World crude steel production reached 1,548 megatonnes (Mt) for the year 2012, up by 1.2% compared to 2011. This is a record for global crude steel production.
The growth came mainly from Asia and North America while crude steel production in the EU (27) and South America decreased in 2012 compared to 2011.
Figure 1: Annual crude steel production
Annual production for Asia was 1,012.7 Mt of crude steel in 2012, an increase of 2.6% compared to 2011. The region’s share of world steel production increased slightly from 64.5% in 2011 to 65.4% in 2012. China’s crude steel production in 2012 reached 716.5 Mt, an increase of 3.1% on 2011. China’s share of world crude steel production increased from 45.4% in 2011 to 46.3% in 2012. Japan produced 107.2 Mt in 2012, a -0.3% decrease from 2011. In 2012, South Korea’s crude steel production was 69.3 Mt, a 1.2% increase compared to 2011.
The EU recorded a decrease of -4.7% compared to 2011, producing 169.4 Mt of crude steel in 2012. Germany produced 42.7 Mt of crude steel in 2012, a decrease of -3.7% on 2011. Italy produced 27.2 Mt in 2012, a -5.2% decrease over 2011. France’s crude steel production in 2012 was 15.6 Mt, a decrease of -1.1%. Spain produced 13.6 Mt of crude steel in 2012, a -12.1% decrease on 2011.
In 2012, crude steel production in North America was 121.9 Mt, an increase of 2.5% on 2011. The US produced 88.6 Mt of crude steel, 2.5% higher than 2011.
The CIS showed a decrease of -1.2% in 2012, producing 111.3 Mt of crude steel. Russia produced 68.9 Mt of crude steel, a 2.5% increase on 2011 and Ukraine recorded a decrease of -6.9% with a year-end figure of 32.9 Mt.
Annual crude steel production for South America was 46.9 Mt in 2012, a decrease of -3.0% on 2011. Brazil produced 34.7 Mt in 2012, down by -1.5% compared to 2011.
Figure 2: Crude steel production annual growth trend
| Rank | Country | 2012 (Mt) | 2011(Mt) | 2012/2011(%) |
| 1 | China | 716.5 | 694.8 | 3.1 |
| 2 | Japan | 107.2 | 107.6 | -0.3 |
| 3 | United States | 88.6 | 86.4 | 2.5 |
| 4 | India (e) | 76.7 | 73.6 | 4.3 |
| 5 | Russia | 70.6 | 68.9 | 2.5 |
| 6 | South Korea | 69.3 | 68.5 | 1.2 |
| 7 | Germany | 42.7 | 44.3 | -3.7 |
| 8 | Turkey | 35.9 | 34.1 | 5.2 |
| 9 | Brazil | 34.7 | 35.2 | -1.5 |
| 10 | Ukraine | 32.9 | 35.3 | -6.9 |
Figure 3: Share of world crude steel production 2012, 2011
In December 2012, world crude steel production for the 62 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 121.3 Mt, an increase of 2.4% compared to December 2011. The crude steel capacity utilisation ratio of the 62 countries in December 2012 declined to 73.2% compared to 76.1% in November 2012. The average capacity utilisation ratio in 2012 was 78.8% compared to 80.7% in 2011.
Figure 4: World steel capacity utilisation ratio
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Notes to Editors:
• The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world. worldsteel represents approximately 170 steel producers (including 16 of the world’s 20 largest steel companies), national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. worldsteel members represent around 85% of world steel production.
• The total annual global production figure in this press release includes estimates of other countries that only report annually. The monthly crude steel statistics available on worldsteel.org every month show figures from the 62 countries reporting to worldsteel on a monthly basis.
• The monthly crude steel capacity utilisation ratio is calculated based on crude steel production and capacity information available at worldsteel. The capacity information is based on publicly-available data, updated twice a year and verified through worldsteel’s membership.
• Megatonne (Mt) is a metric unit equivalent to 1 million tonnes.
• The attached PDF file contains a summary of world crude steel production by region from 2005 to 2012, a list of the largest steel producing countries 2012 and December 2012 production figures.